Pages

Thursday, July 9, 2015

#100HappyDays :: Day 65

Some things make you take a moment and do a gut check. Why do we work so hard? Why do we do this when we do not have to? Why do we so personally need to understand and respect the circle of life?

Yesterday was duck processing day. We are confirmed omnivores and I do not have a problem with a diverse diet where everything is in moderation. As I mentioned before, this is our second year raising protein, and so far is much more successful. I am convinced that the hatchery makes all of the difference.

Why do we do it? Because in the end there is a vast feeling of satisfaction stemming from raising, caring for, and giving these animals the time to forage and frolic, that they would not have been given in other circumstances. As I was putting away the processed ducks last night, I realized that this was a significant thing that would nourish my family for months to come. We make efforts to know where our food comes from and that prompts a special kind of respect for it. As we fill our shelves and freezer with farm raised and grown food to sustain us through the off season as much as possible, the occasional gut check is important, it keeps it all in perspective.